"the road is so dangerous pedestrians avoid it"... During 2013, 528 pedestrians where killed on Western Cape roads, by October 23 (2014), a further 448 pedestrians have been killed. These deaths account for 44% of the death toll so far. Most pedestrians are killed in 60km/h zones, making this a city phenomenon. A research study conducted by Mabunda et al (2207) found that alcohol was present in 58% of fatalities, and alcohol present in 90% of male pedestrians killed at night. - Arrive Alive 2014

Common injuries seen in pedestrian vehicle collisions:

Injuries may be moderate or severe and can include:

Head injuries (35%) / Serious 80%

Thoracic injuries (8%)

Upper extremity injuries (9%)

Spinal injuries (4%)

Abdominal injuries (7%)

Lower extremities (37%)

Areas of impact causing injury:

Windscreen impact (15.6%)

Bonnet impact (13.3%)

Head lights/ grill impact (6.9%)

Bumper impact (15.3%)

Road impact (31.9%)

- borrowed form www.forensicmed.co.uk

When considering the child pedestrian accident, the injury pattern may be best described by Waddells' Triad:

Speed kills:Although most pedestrians are killed in 60km/h zones, speed continues to play an influential role, with a pedestrians chance of death increasing proportionally to speed, i.e.: 15% at 32km/hr; 45% at 50km/hr and 85% at 65km/hr.